INTHEVUE.COM | SEPTEMBER 2025 9 New Pathways For Children Board Member, Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Connector, Paducah Young Professionals Steering Committee Co-Chair, Broadway Church of Christ Deacon, Leadership Paducah Class #39 Ben Clayton has built his career on a foundation of service, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Nominated for the Paducah Young Leader of the Year award, Ben’s professional journey as a mortgage lender began in February 2020—a time when interest rates were at historic lows and loan demand was at unprecedented highs. It was a challenging and fast- paced period to enter the banking world, but Ben was fortunate to learn from a highly skilled and experienced team. Their mentorship not only gave him the tools to navigate complex lending situations but also inspired him to think creatively when crafting solutions for clients. Ben thrives on finding innovative financing options that truly make a difference in people’s lives. His passion for problem-solving is matched by the support of a bank and team that empower him to think outside the box, ensuring every client receives personalized care and attention. Banking runs deep in Ben’s roots—his father was also a banker, and for a time, they shared the unique experience of working at Paducah Bank together. This chapter in Ben’s life left a lasting impression, as he witnessed firsthand his father’s leadership, accessibility, and generosity with his time. His father’s open-door policy and willingness to help, no matter how busy he was, became a model for how Ben approaches his own career. The example of a man who lived his faith openly and sought to lead others to Christ has continued to guide Ben in his professional and personal life. For Ben, banking is more than numbers and paperwork—it’s about people. Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust, offer guidance, and create lasting impact. His approach combines technical expertise with genuine care, ensuring his clients know they have an advocate who will work tirelessly on their behalf. As he looks to the future, Ben hopes to be remembered as someone who consistently made time for others, remained humble enough to keep learning, and used his talents to uplift his community. His advice is simple yet profound: “Seek wisdom from others and be a sponge. Never be too busy to learn and grow.” Ben Clayton Private Wealth Relationship Manager, Paducah Bank Bree Shelby has spent her career building a space where people feel seen, safe, and valued. In just three years, she has scaled her practice from working solo to leading a team of 12 clinicians and multiple interns, earning a reputation as a safe, inclusive, collaborative, and ethical environment for clients. From the start, Bree founded the practice on a simple but powerful principle: prioritize human beings and their well-being—not numbers, money, or productivity. That vision didn’t come without challenges. As a small business owner, Bree faced the financial, logistical, and leadership hurdles of building a practice from the ground up. The responsibility was entirely hers—every expense, every decision, every growing pain. She learned many lessons the hard way, from navigating administrative demands to finding her footing as a leader. But with determination, the support of her personal network, and the dedication of her staff, she made it through the “first two-year hump” and emerged stronger. Though business ownership wasn’t her original ambition, Bree embraced it as a necessary step to create the work environment she envisioned. A people-person at heart, she pursued a career in mental health to help others heal in deep, sustainable ways. Her approach is rooted in experiential, body-based, and relational healing modalities that go beyond traditional talk therapy. She helps clients move out of their heads and into their bodies, creating lasting change in how they feel, think, and show up in the world. She meets people with authenticity and vulnerability, giving them permission to do the same. Bree finds inspiration everywhere—in the resilience of her clients, the dedication of her staff, and the quiet moments of kindness she witnesses in everyday life. She believes deeply in our shared capacity to heal and show up for one another. Her hope for the future is to leave a legacy that challenges the stigma around mental illness, centers relational and embodied healing, and encourages sustainability in the mental health field. She wants to see a shift toward collective care and away from burnout-inducing practices. Her advice to others in the field is clear: “Do your own work. Surround yourself with colleagues who value integrity over image. Your presence matters more than any training. And don’t neglect the business side—learn it early, find mentors, and be willing to grow.” Bree Shelby Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Integrative Psychological Services Sponsored by 40 Under Forty
